01-05-2017Northeast Partnership for Economic Development
City of Cibolo
Council Chambers
200 S. Main
Cibolo, Texas 78108
MINUTES OF WORKSHOP JANUARY 5, 2017
I. Call to Order and Establish a Quorum.
Mayor Carpenter called the workshop to order at 6:30 PM.
Members present were:
Mayor Michael Carpenter, Schertz
Mayor Bill Seiler, Marion
Mayor John Williams, Universal City
Mayor Nick Milanovich, New Berlin
Mayor Jeff Hunt, Santa Clara
Mayor Allen Dunn, Cibolo
Mayor Mary Dennis, Live Oak
Mayor Al Suarez, Converse
Mayor Nadine Knaus, City of Garden Ridge
Mayor Pro -Tem John McCaw, City of Garden Ridge
Others Present:
Councilmember Scott Larson, Schertz
Brenda Dennis, City Secretary — Schertz
Peggy Cimics, City Secretary - Cibolo
Catarina Gonzales, Attorney & Counselor, Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal Hyde & Zech
Kevin Hadas, Cartwheel Communications, LLC
II. Introduction
Mayor Carpenter welcomed those present and those present introduced themselves.
Mayor Carpenter introduced Councilmember Scott Larson City of Schertz newest
councilmember. Mayor Carpenter stated that Councilmember Larson is here this evening
wanting to learn and be educated. Mayors present welcomed Councilmember Larson.
III. OLD BUSINESS:
2. City of Windcrest's NEP status.
Members discussed that they have made several attempts to reach out to the City of
Windcrest regarding their annual dues. Mayor Carpenter stated that he sent a letter to
the Mayor but no response. Mayor Carpenter stated that Mayor Daly and Mayor
Dennis have reached out to Mayor Baxter of Windcrest and we are all in agreement
that we would want him to come back and join us, but it doesn't sound like that is
what he is interested in doing. Discussions continued that since they have not paid
their 2016 dues and that the 2017 dues are also now due that their name be dropped
from the membership letterhead. They also agreed that should they desire to come
back and rejoin NEP, they would reinstate them. Members discussed at this time to
remove their name off the NEP letterhead. Members discussed looking at the bylaws
at a future date to review and discuss procedures of how members are removed for
nonpayment of dues.
1. Update regarding a NEP Legislative Agenda and other services from Catarina
Gonzales, Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal Hyde & Zech.
Mayor Suarez left the meeting.
Catarina provided the members with a draft legislative agenda as a starting point that
addressed some areas of concerns presented by some of the Mayors as the last
meeting. Mayors present discussed this in great length providing other information
they would like to include. Main focus was let is to maintain Local Control. (See
attached draft) Mayor Carpenter stated that he would request that each Mayor look
over the draft, make notes, digest and provide further comments back to her.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Resignation of Mayor Knaus as NEP Treasurer, discuss appointing a new
Treasurer.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Knaus who stated that in the upcoming year the
she will be traveling more and will be unable to continue being the treasurer. Mayor
Carpenter stated we will place an item on the next regular agenda to appoint a new
treasurer. Mayor Seiler from Marion indicated that he would be happy to take on this
role. Mayors present thanked Mayor Knaus for her service as being the NEP
Treasurer.
V. Items of Interest by the Member Cities.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Dunn, City of Cibolo provided updated
information on Cibolo's pursuit of construction of a Thoroughfare within their City.
Mayors present discussed in great length of how to support the efforts of the City of
Cibolo.
Mayor Dunn requested a possible resolution from the NEP Membership supporting this.
Mayors present agreed to place an item on the next agenda approving a resolution
supporting the efforts of the City of Cibolo to pursue the construction of a Thoroughfare
within their City.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mr. Kevin Hadas, who provided information on his
proposal from Cartwheel Communications, LLC to update the NEP's website with the
new members, create a new and more user friendly design, maintain and host the website
for two years. Mr. Hadas provided information on the fees, he also stated that he would
make the website mobile friendly. Mayors discussed that City Secretary Brenda Dennis
should provide to Mr. Hadas the approved minutes starting 2017 to place on the NEP
Website, or maybe Mr. Hadas could show her how to post them up directly to the
website. Mr. Hadas agreed to work with Brenda on accomplishing this.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Dennis City of Live Oak who asked if we had
reached out to other entities to provide quotes on updating our Website, City Secretary
Brenda Dennis stated that she did reach out to others and no one responded, and that
Cartwheel was the only quote received.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Seiler City of Marion who announced their
upcoming grand opening Friday, January 13, 2017 for Woods of St. Clare, City of
Marion's second subdivision. Mayor Seiler stated that an invitation was sent out to each
mayor should they desire to attend. Mayor Seiler stated that if you didn't get to see
Marion's Christmas lights, they will stay up one more week.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Knaus City of Garden Ridge who stated their city is
still dealing with the deer situation regarding trapping, transporting and processing them,
there is a small but very vocal group coming to their meetings. Mayor Knaus announced
that they will be having a ground opening soon on some new park equipment. Invitations
will be sent out.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Williams, City of Universal City who stated that
their new Library opens up January 14tH
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Nick Milanovich, New Berlin who stated not a lot
going on they are growing a little.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Larson City of Schertz who stated that we
have the upcoming pool grand opening and free swim event, tradition has it that the
Mayor is to be thrown into the pool.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tern Hadas, City of Selma who stated that they
have the upcoming Selma - Schertz 5K, more information to come. He also stated that he
is working on a 100 mile walk event, also more information to come.
VI. Establish a Date, Time, & Location of the Next Meeting. (Next up is the City of
Converse to host — February 2, 2017.
VII. Adjournment.
Carpenter adjourned the workshop at 7:45 p.m.
;PASS APPROVED THIS Stn DAY OF FEBRUARY 2017.
ayor Michael R. Carpenter, NEP Chairman
Northeast Partnership for Economic Development
The Northeast Partnership for Economic Development (NEP) is a 501(c)(6) non - profit corporation that
was formed in the mid- 1990's to promote economic growth and quality of life in the Northeast San
Antonio area. The Northeast Partnership works to protect and advocate the interests of its Partnership
members which include the cities of Cibolo, Converse, Garden Ridge, Kirby, Live Oak, Marion, New
Berlin, Santa Clara, Schertz, Selma, Universal City and Windcrest.
NEP's goals are:
• Capitalize on the region's strategic location in Northeast'San Antonio (iH -35, Loop 1604, IH -10)
• Protect and enhance the region's resources and distinct identity
• Broaden job opportunities
• Diversify commercial activities
• Promote existing businesses
• Promote and enhance the local civilian /military partnership with Randolph AFB
• Identify private and public sources of capital investment
Principles:
The Northeast Partnership for Econo
and responds to the needs of its con:
the policies and programs mandated
NEP opposes legislation or budgeting
local governments or affect a local g(
NEP supports legislation consistent v
Priorities:
Development believes that local government best understands
ents. Therefore, it seeks maximum flexibility in implementing
he Legislature;,
visions that would shift the cost of state - funded programs to
nment's ability to encourage economic development.
its strategic goals.
1. Oppose legislation or state budget decisions that would create unfunded mandates or divert
municipal revenues and support measures that preserve local control over the issuance of debt
to meet local needs
2. Support legislation that would give municipalities the necessary tools to manage growth, protect
property values and preserve quality of life
3. Support municipal authority to manage infrastructure and issues affecting its member cities'
rights of way
4. Support legislation that preserves municipal authority to adopt or enforce development
ordinances, including enforcing zoning, annexing property, adopting and enforcing vested rights
ordinances, and the ability to regulate land use and tree preservation in member cities'
extraterritorial jurisdiction
5. Support legislation that helps municipalities to be in compliance with federal clean air act
requirements including the Rider 7 State and Local Air Quality Planning Program, the Texas
Emissions Reduction Plan, and the Aircheck Texas Repair and Replacement Assistance Program
6. Oppose legislation that further artificially caps appraisal values or revenues and support
legislation that ensures that properties are appraised at true market value
7. Support legislation that provides local governments the ability to expand local economic
development efforts and workforce training and the continuation of state incentives to
supplement local economic development strategies to recruit and retain employees
8. Support funding for the Texas Military Preparedness Commission to assist defense communities
with military value projects that enhance the installation's mission, improve operational
efficiencies and proactively address impacts from sequestration or other base realignment and
closure activities that may happen in the future